The Best Dungeon Crawler Board Games for an Epic Tabletop Adventure

Dungeon crawler board games offer a rich and diverse gaming experience, encompassing various themes and gameplay styles. The sheer number of options available can be overwhelming for newcomers. This guide highlights some of the best dungeon crawler board games, catering to different preferences and experience levels.

TL;DR: Top Dungeon Crawler Board Games

### Frosthaven

See it on Amazon ### Descent: Legends of the Dark

See it on Amazon ### Star Wars: Imperial Assault

See it on Amazon ### Slay the Spire: The Board Game

See it on Amazon ### Mansions of Madness

See it on Amazon ### Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

See it on Amazon ### Nemesis

See it on Amazon ### Cthulhu: Death May Die

See it on Amazon ### Clank! Catacombs

See it on Amazon ### Marvel Zombies - A Zombicide Game

See it on Amazon ### Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

See it on Amazon ### Resident Evil: The Board Game

See it on Amazon ### Arcadia Quest

See it on Amazon

These games typically feature tactical combat, character progression, loot acquisition, and exploration of dungeons (which can be interpreted broadly). They often boast rich lore and complex mechanics, ideal for players seeking lengthy, immersive cooperative campaigns.

Frosthaven / Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

### Frosthaven

See it on Amazon ### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

See it on Amazon

Age: 14+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 60-120 mins

Gloomhaven established a benchmark for complex dungeon crawlers. Frosthaven, its successor, offers a similarly engaging campaign within the same universe. Jaws of the Lion provides a streamlined entry point with reduced setup time. Characters can even transfer between games. Both offer extensive, narrative-driven campaigns, making them excellent choices for cooperative gameplay.

Descent: Legends of the Dark

### Descent: Legends of the Dark

See it on Amazon

Age: 14+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 120-180 mins

This fully cooperative Descent iteration features stunning 3D cardboard scenery and a robust app for managing character progression and randomized dungeons. It blends tactical combat, dice rolling, and app-based resource management for a compelling RPG experience.

(Remaining game descriptions will follow a similar concise format, highlighting key features and omitting repetitive phrasing.)

Star Wars: Imperial Assault

See it on Amazon Age: 14+ Players: 2-5 Play Time: 60-120 mins Rebel operatives battle the Empire in a scenario-based campaign, utilizing lightsabers and blasters in tactical combat. Features iconic Star Wars characters.

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

See it on Amazon Age: 12+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 30-150 mins Adapts the popular video game's deck-building mechanics to a cooperative tabletop experience. Players ascend a spire, battling monsters and strategically managing their cards.

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

See it on Amazon Age: 14+ Players: 1-5 Play Time: 60-360 mins Cooperative mystery horror game with an app-driven narrative, puzzles, and combat against monsters and insanity.

Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape

See it on Amazon Age: 14+ Players: 1-6 Play Time: 60 mins Features six unique character classes, offering diverse gameplay within a classic dungeon crawler framework.

Nemesis

See it on Amazon Age: 14+ Players: 1-5 Play Time: 60-180 mins Creates a tense atmosphere of survival and potential betrayal amidst alien encounters. Hidden objectives add a layer of social deduction.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

See it on Amazon Age: 14+ Players: 1-5 Play Time: 90-120 mins Cooperative horror game inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, where characters gain power as sanity diminishes. Features standalone scenarios.

Clank! Catacombs

See it on Amazon Age: 13+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 45-90 mins Combines monster fighting, treasure collection, and escape from a dragon in a tile-laying roguelike experience.

Marvel Zombies – A Zombicide Game

See it on Amazon Age: 14+ Players: 1-6 Play Time: 60 mins A Zombicide game featuring Marvel characters, allowing players to even take on the role of zombies.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

See it on Amazon Age: 14+ Players: 1-5 Play Time: 45-150 mins Features a unique dice-rolling mechanic affecting adjacent players, emphasizing cooperative gameplay. Can be played cooperatively or with one player as the villain.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

See it on Amazon Age: 14+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 60-90 mins Set in the Spencer Mansion, featuring puzzles, limited resources, and zombie encounters.

Arcadia Quest

See it on Amazon Age: 13+ Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60 mins Features a chibi art style and incorporates both cooperative and competitive elements through PvP quests. Not playable solo.

Remember to check individual game reviews for more detailed information before making a purchase. The best choice will depend on your group's preferences for theme, complexity, and gameplay style.